Otago Daily Times:

Cellphone cover 'a huge boost'

Helena de Reus — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The Catlins will have not one, but two new cellphone towers by the end of this year - a move which has delighted residents.

Firefighters do battle

Sarah Marquet — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Teams of firefighters from as far afield as Christchurch and Bluff battled it out in Cromwell on Saturday for top honours in the annual Otago Southland Provincial Fire Brigades waterways competition.

Trail fund change agreed

Sarah Marquet — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Vincent Community Board has agreed to reclassify funding it had already approved for the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail Trust so the money can be used for purposes other than those originally intended.

Police investigating death near Palmerston

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:12:32 +1300

Police are investigating a death on a rural property near Palmerston on behalf of the coroner.

Saxton farm may go to cover greenstone theft reparations

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:28:13 +1300

The former helicopter pilot convicted in 2008 of stealing large quantities of greenstone from the Cascade Plateau could lose his $1.8 million Haast farm under the Courts and Criminal Matters Act, which came into force yesterday.

Police drink-driver chase ends when engine cooks

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:54:59 +1300

A drunk Cromwell teenager drove up roads between Queenstown and Wanaka at speeds of more than 180kmh and sparked a police chase which only ended when the fleeing vehicle's engine blew up.

Hubbard crash: South Otago man charged

David Bruce — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +1300

A man is due to appear in court on Friday charged in connection with the crash that claimed the life of South Canterbury Finance founder Allan Hubbard.

Community awards extended

David Bruce — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The whole of the Waitaki district is now part of the TrustPower community awards, with the programme being extended this year.

Labour of love transforms Ophir store

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A restaurant and accommodation outlet will open next month in an Ophir building which housed a general store and butchery more than 140 years ago.

Pool reopens after $600,000 upgrade

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Milton Swimming Pool has finally reopened, nine weeks behind schedule.

Great turnout for show

Sarah Marquet — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

More entertainment and "great weather" may have been responsible for the "above average" turnout at the 115th Central Otago A&P Show in Omakau on Saturday, according to show committee president Geoff Clouston.

Teen pair face charges over firearms theft

Matthew Haggart — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:35:00 +1300

Two Milton teenagers who allegedly stole a cache of firearms from a rural property near Balclutha yesterday are scheduled to appear in the Youth Court in Dunedin to answer burglary charges.

Up to 600 territorial soldiers' jobs to go

Debbie Porteous — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +1300

New Zealand's six territorial forces will be merged into three, with the loss of up to 600 territorial soldiers, a briefing paper from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) says.

Thousands at Wings and Wheels

Allison Rudd — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:30:00 +1300

There was something for everyone at Wings and Wheels 2012 at the Taieri Airfield yesterday.

Henare consolidates his mastery of woolhandling

Matthew Haggart — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Former Cromwell-based shearing "rousie" Joel Henare, of Gisborne, has clinched his fifth "woolhandler of the year" title at the New Zealand woolhandling championships in Balclutha.

Regional sports round-up

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Stranded-fish policy floated

John Gibb — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Better times may lie ahead for trout left stranded in dried-up streams over summer, with policy changes mooted so they can be shifted to safety.

Wright remains chairman

John Gibb — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Monty Wright has been reappointed Otago Fish and Game Council chairman and Dave Witherow remains the council's representative on the New Zealand Fish and Game Council.

Day out for big 'Pig'

David Bruce — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

It's not the way it drives nor the fact it is 5.8 metres long and weighs two tonnes that led Milton and Vicki Mitchell to christen their Cadillac "Pig".

Wowing the audience at Waitati

Allison Rudd — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Dunedin singer Tahu Mackenzie performed before a crowd about 500 at the inaugural Waitati Music Festival on Saturday.

Ideal fishing conditions

Marjorie Cook — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Fish were practically jumping on the lines at the Lake Hawea Family Fishing Classic on Saturday.

7.5% rate rise starting figure for plan debate

David Bruce — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Proposed 7.5% average rate rise next financial year will be considered by the Waitaki District Council on Tuesday, in debate on the draft long-term plan.

Charge of dangerous driving proven

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A man who denied dangerous driving had passed a vehicle in the Cromwell Gorge when oncoming traffic was close, Judge Stephen O'Driscoll has found.

Ward election decided

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

South Otago business owner Joanna Lowery has been named provisional winner of the Clutha District Council by-election for the Bruce ward.

Council may delay building policy update

David Bruce — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A review by the Waitaki District Council of its dangerous, insanitary and earthquake-prone buildings policy is likely to be delayed until an inquiry into the Christchurch earthquake is completed.

95-year-old RNZAF veteran off to memorial

Emily Menkes — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

At 95 years old, Oamaru man Bill Mitchell is about to take a walk down memory lane.

Less practice makes perfect for games team

David Bruce — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

They get together only every two years, but practice is kept to a minimum as the N.O. Goers prepare for the softball competition at the New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin.

Questions over lack of damage to miner's body

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:42:19 +1300

Why the body of a coalminer showed no sign of damage from the massive explosion that tore through the Pike River Mine was one of two enduring puzzles scrutinised at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the disaster today.

Roxburgh man pleads guilty to shooting wife of 40 years

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:32:00 +1300

Two weeks after his wife of more than 40 years told him she was leaving him, a retired Roxburgh man shot her twice in the back, the summary of facts of the fatal shooting has revealed.

Stuck truck delays start on Clutha River gold-dredging project

Sarah Marquet — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +1300

"There's 10 lifetimes' worth of gold in there," gold miner Danny Walker said yesterday on his way to check the progress of a dredge his company was launching into the Clutha River just below the Roxburgh Dam.

First response group planned

Bill Campbell — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A proposal by St John to establish a first response unit at Palmerston has been greeted favourably by the community.

Couple were widely respected in community

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Lesley and Warren Johnston were a good, community-minded couple and Mrs Johnston's murder by her husband sent shock-waves through the district, a friend of the couple said yesterday.

Word Cup tribute comes to end

David Bruce — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Rugby World Cup has come down in Kurow, but the memory lingers on.

Second attempt to lower level

David Bruce — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Another attempt is to be made to lower the level of Lake Benmore so work can be carried out on facilities around the shore.

Americana comes to town

David Bruce — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

About 80 American cars rumbled into Oamaru yesterday for the first Oamarican Car Show.

Roxburgh man admits murdering his wife

Debbie Porteous — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:05:24 +1300

A 67-year-old Roxburgh man has pleaded guilty to murdering his wife in March last year.

Farm worker dies after Southland quad bike crash

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:38:43 +1300

A dairy farm worker has died after being trapped underwater by his quad bike near Invercargill overnight.

Tasman Valley Rd crash victim named

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The man who died when his car left the Tasman Valley Rd in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on Tuesday has been named. He was Mark Roland Ellis (23), of Christchurch.

Companies reduce generation

Allison Rudd — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Two energy companies have reduced generation from hydro power stations in the South as a lack of rain continues to bite.

Top shearers in action

Sally Rae — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

It is a big week in the South for shearers and woolhandlers.

Mixed reaction to proposed parks charge

Joe Dodgshun — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Like the majority of young visitors, Matt Schoonmaker-Gates, of California, is travelling on a budget and says charging international visitors to enter national parks would discourage people like him.

Civil Defence exercise tomorrow

David Bruce — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

If the lights go out in Oamaru, Civil Defence will be ready.

Breakneck Rd bridge work detours

David Bruce — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A $393,000 project by the Waitaki District Council to replace the Breakneck Rd bridge leading into the Herbert Forest will mean 16 weeks of alternative access for people who own homes in the area.

Court sittings expected to return soon

David Bruce — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Court sittings for criminal cases could return to Oamaru, with details still to be sorted for using the Oamaru Opera House.

Strong field for farming contest

Sally Rae — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Telford will host the Otago-Southland regional final of the National Bank Young Farmer Contest this Sunday.

Uncommon death subject for study

Debbie Porteous — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The death of a Clutha man from an uncommon medical event will be the focus of an academic paper, to be written for the education of medical professionals.

Pedestrians urged to take more care

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Pedestrians who choose to walk on roads at night, whether drunk or sober, ought to carry a light and wear a dayglow or reflective jacket, Otago-Southland region coroner David Crerar says.

Sea erosion forces total closure of a section of Beach Rd

David Bruce — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A section of the coastal Beach Rd closed to vehicles in 2008 because of sea erosion has now also been closed to walkers and cyclists.

Climb goes wrong for tourist

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:33:09 +1300

A German tourist's impromptu attempt at freestyle rock-climbing came to grief yesterday when he plunged 4m on to jagged rocks at Perpendicular Point, near Punakaiki.

Cyclist airlifted after rail trail accident

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:36:02 +1300

A woman cyclist has been airlifted from the Otago Central Rail Trail after sliding down a bank and breaking her leg.

Pond hazard identified

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Local Government New Zealand should investigate making ponds lined in black plastic safer, Otago Southland coroner David Crerar says.

Final calls for rural mailman after 1.6 million km

Bill Campbell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

After 37 years and an estimated 1.6 million km, Kelvin Lyon has retired from his East Otago rural delivery contract.

'A thrill' to see sections near completion

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The Government launched the New Zealand Cycle Trail project in 2009 and provided funding for 18 "Great Rides" around the country.

Strong support for riverside cycle trail in Teviot region

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

There is a "hell of a lot" of support out there for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, says trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery.

Pool closures take toll

John Lewis — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +1300

Twenty-two school pools have closed in the Otago region in the past decade, and water safety officials believe the closures are a major factor in creating a generation of young people who cannot swim.

First stage of major Henderson House renovation completed

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

More than $450,000 has been spent restoring and renovating one of Alexandra's "landmark" homes - Henderson House.

Favourite lure does the trick for Oamaru angler

David Bruce — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Angler Barry Bayliss left it almost to the last minute to weigh in the heaviest trout in this year's Lake Aviemore fishing contest.

Memories are made of this

David Bruce — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The oldest person living in Studholme, Ron Wallace (80), cuts the cake to celebrate the centennial of the Studholme Hall, while at the same time handing out advice to hecklers at yesterday's family picnic.

Dancing tractors pull the crowds

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Tractor square dancing, magicians and singers made Saturday's 129th Palmerston-Waihemo A and P Show one to remember.

Barrier breaks fall

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A steel safety barrier was all that stopped a vehicle plunging down a 7m bank between Raes Junction and Island Block early yesterday.

Man dies at bike rally

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A man who died at the Vincent County Motorcycle Rally "passed away while he was doing what he enjoyed," one of the rally organisers said yesterday.

Farmers still facing dry conditions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Dairy farmers in South Otago and Southland are still managing difficult dry conditions, despite good levels of rainfall throughout the region recently.

Ranfurly stalwart departing after 38 years

Lynda Van Kempen — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Maniototo has lost its "Jack of all trades". Jack Rutherford, a mainstay of a host of community organisations and tireless "behind the scenes" worker, shifted to Dunedin last week after spending the past 38 years living in Ranfurly.

Man dies at Alexandra motorcyle rally

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:20:14 +1300

A 65-year-old man died at the Vincent Motorcycle Rally in Galloway, Alexandra, yesterday.

ORC to hold talks in private

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:33:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Council will meet in private on Wednesday to discuss a confidential report on plans and likely costs to overcome overcrowding in its Stafford St office block.

Chain of car thefts apparently linked

Ben Guild — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +1300

A string of seemingly related vehicle thefts in Otago and South Canterbury have police appealing for information from the public.

Cultivating success by dint of sheer effort

Ben Guild — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

For nearly 40 years, Reggie Joe's vegie stall just south of Oamaru has been an oasis of vegetables and fruit, particularly when the early new potatoes are in. Ben Guild reports.

Offers of community work for offenders come in, but more needed

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A plea for groups to provide community work so offenders in Central Otago can complete their sentences has been heeded, but there is still a shortage in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Weather extremes recorded in region

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Otago has recorded the country's lowest temperature and the gustiest wind for January; perfectly fitting Niwa's description of January being cool, windy and unsettled.

Schools given new books

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

More than 100 primary schools in Otago have begun their school year with a stock of new library books donated by Telecom and Scholastic.

Hall reaches 100

David Bruce — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A century for a centennial - about 100 people are expected tonight and tomorrow tocelebrate the 100th birthday of the Studholme Hall, near Waimate.

Rock art site to reopen soon

David Bruce — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Takiroa Maori rock art site near Duntroon is expected to reopen by the end of this month, after being closed for about 20 months when the limestone cliff collapsed during heavy rain in May 2010.

Refresher courses for older drivers

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Older drivers in the Waitaki district have an opportunity to refresh their driving skills and update their knowledge of the road rules this year through free workshops offered as part of a road safety initiative.

Strong interest in centenary

David Bruce — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Seventy former pupils of the Catholic boarding school Teschemakers have registered for the centenary reunion in March, and organisers expect more.

Bikers come on down by the riverside

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Location, location, location applies to motorcycle rallies as well as real estate.

Recall of helicopter blades

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:26:00 +1300

Safety fears have sparked a product recall for a batch of popular helicopter blades, though no operators in the South Island have been affected.

Crash victims still serious

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:28:00 +1300

Two women remain in hospital, one in a serious condition, three weeks after a vehicle crash at Cromwell which claimed the lives of two of their friends.

New sports activator for district schools

Helena de Reus — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A new sports activator will soon be seen at schools around the Clutha district.

Track access restricted

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Public access to Graves Track via the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony will be restricted until March 31.

Trust supports water confidence scheme for children

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A programme aimed at reducing the risk of children drowning is one of the activities supported in the latest round of Central Lakes Trust grants.

Evil spell on Wizard's credit

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:42:27 +1300

It is a credit card debt that will not vanish, and the Wizard wants answers.

Agent censured

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Te Anau real estate agent has been censured for unsatisfactory conduct and "sloppy" work after a complaints hearing.

Alert lifted after less rain than forecast

Marjorie Cook — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Department of Conservation has lifted the high alert for the Young Valley after rainstorm forecast for the Mt Aspiring National Park on Tuesday night was less intense than expected.

New Waitaki rector inspires pupils to set goals

Ben Guild — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

New Waitaki Boys' High School (WBHS) rector Paul Jackson was welcomed to the school at an assembly in the Hall of Memories yesterday morning.

Subdivision site said to be sacred land

Ben Guild — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The controversial Forrester Heights residential subdivision drama has taken another turn, with a contention the site sits on sacred Maori land.

Wind causes damage in Strath Taieri

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

While coastal Otago escaped forecast gale-force winds yesterday, gusts of 80kmh-90kmh were recorded at Macraes and caused damage around Middlemarch.

Falling power price trend likely short-lived

David Bruce — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Electricity prices have dropped two quarters in a row for the first time in almost 13 years, Statistics New Zealand's consumer price index shows.

Scanner placement talks likely

James Beech — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +1300

A single diagnostic scanner for both Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts is expected to be the hot topic at a forum of primary and secondary care clinicians on February 24.

Event to raise funds for health centre

Helena de Reus — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

An event to raise funds for the proposed West Otago Health Centre will be held during Waitangi Day weekend.

Glacial giant

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Tourists get close up views and photographs of a huge iceberg which split from the Tasman Glacier yesterday.

ORC legal action

Rebecca Fox — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Council has issued five infringement notices in four months and has four pending legal proceedings.

Bus safety initiative applauded, but some disappointment

Debbie Porteous — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Rural Women New Zealand is disappointed not all police districts have been given a similar directive issued to southern police, requesting them to follow school buses for the first two weeks of every school term to enforce the 20kmh maximum speed passing rule.

$26m for new Westport hospital

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:56:52 +1300

A new $26 million integrated family health centre will be built on one site in Westport.

Whittall lawyers may seek to have charges dropped

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:02:32 +1300

Lawyers for former Pike River Coal head Peter Whittall are considering applying to have some of the charges against him dropped because of the timeframe in which they were laid.

Doc rules bach gardens can be used as campgounds

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:54:47 +1300

Owners of baches built on public land will have to open up their homes for other holidaymakers and allow their gardens to be used as campgrounds under new Department of Conservation rules.

Police not to blame for death

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:31:00 +1300

Police are not to blame for the death of Paul William Wilson, who drowned while taking water samples from the flooded Talla Burn at Beaumont a year ago, Otago-Southland regional coroner David Crerar says.

Modified Kakanui camp ground advocated

David Bruce — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +1300

A report recommends resource consent be granted for the Kakanui camping ground, but with conditions that address issues raised by those who oppose its operation.

ORC defends measures to enforce coal ban

Rebecca Fox — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Otago regional councillors deny suggestions their proposed enforcement process for those who continue to burn coal is too lax.

Cycleway gets thumbs-up

Ben Guild — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The first cyclists have rolled into Duntroon via the Alps 2 Ocean cycleway, bringing positive comments and welcome custom to local businesses.

Robust response to 2012 Relay for Life

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The 2012 Central Otago Relay for Life has already exceeded the expectations of committee chairwoman Lynn Manson, and the event is still six weeks away.

Mother hopes good will come of tragedy

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Some good may come of a tragedy if measures are introduced making it easier for police to quickly identify the exact location of emergencies, says a Roxburgh woman whose son drowned a year ago.

Witnesses sought to Invercargill assault

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:54:08 +1300

A man walking along an Invercargill street was attacked by another man in a passing van early on Sunday morning, police say.

Stunt riders stand out at show

Ellie Constantine — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +1300

When your father has jumped monster trucks through burning double-decker buses and wheelied down, and back up, Baldwin St, it would be hard not to want to follow in his footsteps.

Young Otago writers prominent in anthology

Nigel Benson — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Young Otago writers have made a splash in the latest edition of an anthology celebrating New Zealand's best teenage writers.

Serious head injuries for driver thrown from car

Ben Guild — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A 20-year-old Oamaru man was flown to Dunedin Hospital with serious head injuries on Sunday morning after being thrown from, then pinned under, his car, which had left the road and rolled into a paddock.

Regional sports round-up

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Tramper dies on Milford Track

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:26:03 +1300

A tramper has died while walking the Milford Track in Fiordland.

Mt Stuart on track for good result

Helena de Reus — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Power generation at the Mt Stuart wind farm may have got off to a slow start, but the new installation is on track to record a good result this month.

Public support sought over court arrangements

Helena de Reus — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Clutha residents fighting to keep court services in Balclutha are appealing for public support before an expected Ministry of Justice announcement on the issue on Monday.

Three injured in Mossburn crash

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:58:10 +1300

Three people are injured, one seriously, after a car hit a tourist bus in Mossburn this morning.

Pike recovery could take five years

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:37:25 +1300

It could take up to five years to recover the remains of the 29 Pike River miners, an expert employed by the families says.

Fiordland schemes set alarm bells ringing

Jarrod Booker — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:36:09 +1300

Proposed mega-developments to enhance the journey between two of New Zealand's most popular visitor attractions has opponents warning that life in a precious World Heritage Area and national parks will suffer.

Central summer - jandals one day, gumboots the next

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:31:00 +1300

Welcome to Central Otago at the height of summer - 25degC one day, snow the next.

Family fundraising for second implant

Ben Guild — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Imagine being 5 years old, hearing the sound of an oncoming truck, and not knowing from which direction it was coming.

Central Otago's golden year launched

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Dredge buckets and mining memorabilia set the scene last night for the opening event in a year-long celebration of Central Otago's golden past.

Unacceptable scan error rate

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Southern District Health Board says an unacceptable error rate was revealed in an audit of scans taken at Southland Hospital last month.

Waitaki wine praised

Sally Rae — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

In the tiny wine-producing region of the Waitaki Valley, there is no place for anything but excellence and "that's a wonderful challenge", Jim Jerram says.

Steampunk outfits arrive

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

More new costumes have arrived at the North Otago Museum to be featured in the "Steampunk: Fabulous Fashions, Original Inspiration" exhibition.

Bylaw extends scope of flood schemes

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Floodbank and works on the lower Waitaki River and at Henley could soon be protected by an Otago Regional Council bylaw.

Show promises to be back to its vintage best

Bill Campbell — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The 129th Palmerston-Waihemo A and P Show is expanding, thanks to a report in the Otago Daily Times.

Gallery packed for first showing of year

Ben Guild — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Oamaru's Forrester Gallery has enjoyed a bumper start to the new year, with more than 100 people cramming into the gallery last weekend to view works by Burns Pollock.

Weeklong motorcycle event

Catherine Pattison — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A group of keen Bannockburn motorcyclists have combined to show their area's on and off-road appeal through the inaugural Bike Week at Bannockburn.

Swimmer drowned on West Coast named

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:08:42 +1300

Police have released the name of the swimmer who drowned while trying to cross the mouth of the Mokihinui River, 46km northeast of Westport, on Tuesday afternoon.

Penny-farthing nearly ready to swing into action

Ben Guild — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The Friendly Bay playground is set to take on a new look, as a 6m-high swing in the shape of a penny-farthing nears completion.

ORC pleased with water quality policy

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Council has put forward a policy it claims will clean up and preserve Otago's waterways.

Bid for towed 10 fails

Marjorie Cook — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A group of Balclutha water-skiers failed narrowly in their bid to get 10 or more skiers up behind a single boat on Lake Hawea on Wednesday.

Tourist caught fishing illegally

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Another tourist has been caught illegally fishing in Otago, and three Swiss anglers were caught hours before they left the country and fined $500 each for fishing illegally in Wanaka earlier this month.

Centenarian looks back on 'wonderful life'

Ben Guild — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Oamaru woman Rita Webster still has wheels on the eve of her 100th birthday.

Aerial study finds water in Ida Valley

Rebecca Fox — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Otago Regional Council's $1 million investment in Glass Earth's aerial geophysical survey has been justified by the discovery of water sources in one of the region's driest spots, the Ida Valley, councillors say.

Man injured after repair goes wrong

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A 48-year-old Invercargill man was taken to Dunedin Hospital with a broken leg yesterday afternoon after a tractor tyre repair went wrong on a farm between Raes Junction and Island Block.

Kindergarten expected to be open for term two

Lynda Van Kempen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The Maniototo Area School grounds will soon be an education hub for children aged from 2 through to 18.

Forest deal with schools ends

Helena de Reus — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The Clutha District Council's decision to harvest forestry blocks in West Otago and terminate a partnership with two local schools last year has drawn the ire of one of the project's instigators.

Date set for Kakanui camp ground hearing

David Bruce — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The legality of the Kakanui Camping Ground is going back to a resource consent hearing with the Waitaki District Council early next month - the latest round in a dispute going back more than 15 years.

Coastal walk offers views from private land

Helena de Reus — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Catlins Great Escape Coastal Walk 2012 will be held this Saturday, giving walkers the chance to trek across privately owned land.

5000 visit museum

Bill Campbell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The Waihemo museum at Palmerston has attracted more than 5000 visitors since it opened in January 2009.

Active event for families, individuals

David Bruce — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A mountain bike, run or walk event catering to most abilities will be held in Hampden on February 12, to raise money for the community.

Interest shown in business park

David Bruce — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Potential buyers are already showing a strong interest in a new business park in Oamaru, even though it has yet to be marketed.

Key, Kokshoorn to have Pike River meeting:

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:10:28 +1300

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn will head to Wellington next month to discuss the recovery of bodies from the Pike River coal mine tragedy with Prime Minister John Key.

Glendhu camp fees gain interim exemption

Lucy Ibbotson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +1300

Campers at Glendhu Bay Lakeside Holiday Park beside Lake Wanaka have been granted an "interim" exemption from district-wide camping ground rules, which prevent vans being stored on site when not in use.

More seek to rent property

Helena de Reus — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Balclutha property managers say rental properties are in high demand in the town, because more professionals and newcomers to the town want to rent.

Ngapara pools site checked for quality

Lynda Van Kempen — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The next weapon is being wheeled out in the battle for improved water quality for Alexandra.

Registrations are open for symposium

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Registrations are open for the National Wetland Restoration Symposium in Invercargill in March.

Sixty years of 'just plain luck'

David Bruce — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Lindis and Hazel Courtney describe themselves as "an ordinary couple" and joke that their marriage of 60 years was due to "just plain luck".

Body of missing swimmer found

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:28:50 +1300

The body of a man washed out to sea while swimming at the Mohikinui River mouth has been recovered this evening.

Tourist dies on Franz Josef walk

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:49:16 +1300

A 58-year-old German tourist collapsed and died while taking part in a guided walk at the Franz Josef Glacier valley basin today.

Queenstown assault victim named, still in coma

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:10:21 +1300

Investigations are continuing into the serious assault of a 26-year-old man in Queenstown over the weekend.

Topple follows tipple for golfers

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:43:46 +1300

Several boozed up competitors in the annual Sand Dunes Classic charity golf event on the West Coast on Saturday toppled into the Hokitika River.

Ire over whitebait exhibition

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:36:24 +1300

Two Hokitika businesses are at each other's throats over whitebait.

McCaw pays visit to home town

David Bruce — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:33:00 +1300

It was a secret - but most of Kurow knew about All Black and Rugby World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw's visit to his home town on Sunday.

Police chase woman driving 'well above speed limit'

Lynda Van Kempen — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Police called off a pursuit of a woman allegedly driving at high speed on State Highway 85 between Wedderburn and Alexandra yesterday afternoon, following at a safe distance for about 70km before arresting her.

Council to change order of flood works

Rebecca Fox — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

A change in the order of flood protection works to be completed along the Water of Leith during the next seven years could affect rates.

Camp offers respite from quake zone

Helena de Reus — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

A Clutha tramping club will hold a camp for about 40 Christchurch residents affected by earthquakes.

Mother hen a dark horse

Ben Guild — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:26:00 +1300

A Reidston hen has brought new meaning to the saying "being clucky" after hatching 18 chicks on New Year's Day.

Get your skates on

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:29:29 +1300

Colin Thomson shows off the 5.12kg skate that won the heaviest fish award at the Eastern Boating and Fishing Club Festive Day on Saturday.

Western Southland prone to earthquakes

John Gibb — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake southwest of the Southland town Tuatapere last Thursday and two other sizeable quakes reflected one of the most seismically active parts of New Zealand, scientists said.

Campaigners discuss ways to stop coal mining

Helena de Reus — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Non-violent ways of protesting about lignite mining in Southland and developing strategies and tactics to stop mining were thrashed out at the "Keep the Coal in the Hole Summer Festival" near Mataura at the weekend.

Big turnout for reunion

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Family ties brought former Otago rugby player Casey Mee halfway around the world to introduce the newest member of the clan to her relations.

Scottish roots celebrated

Lynda Van Kempen — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

The Dundass family's Scottish roots were to the fore during a reunion in the Ida Valley at the weekend, with tartan, pipes, drums and an address to the haggis all part of the festivities.

First response unit mooted for district

Debbie Porteous — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

St John is considering establishing a first response unit in Palmerston, in an effort to increase emergency response capabilities in the area, which is about 40 minutes by road from Dunedin.

Campaigners barred at site

Helena de Reus — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Anti-lignite coal campaigners began arriving in Southland yesterday and many spent their first hours touring Solid Energy coal sites in the province.

Glider crash site examined

David Bruce — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

The Civil Aviation Authority completed its on-scene investigation yesterday into the fatal glider crash near Omarama.

Epic 'Smiles' bid to bring relief

Sarah Marquet — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:29:00 +1300

Seven years ago Alvaro Neil (44), of Oviedo, Spain, quit his job as a lawyer, told his girlfriend "don't wait", packed a clown costume and set off on his bicycle for Africa, and then the rest of the world, with an aim to bring a smile to the faces of those he thought needed it most.

Boost from rain not enough

Rebecca Fox — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

Recent rain has given lawns and gardens a "sorely needed boost" but more is needed to keep growth going and fill hydro lakes, hydrologist Dave Stewart says.

Attack still investigated

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Police yesterday confirmed that the attack a 26-year-old woman at the South Otago Hotel early last Sunday morning was sexually motivated.

School's rich past lure for new rector

Ben Guild — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Paul Jackson took the "plum job" as Waitaki Boys' High School rector in November partly so he could immerse himself in the school's proud history.

Strengthening of court being assessed

David Bruce — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Work to strengthen the Oamaru courthouse against earthquakes is still expected to be completed by the end of the year, as the Ministry of Justice grapples with a timetable and priority for similar work at six other courts in New Zealand.

Double the fun at Friendly Bay event

David Bruce — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Waitangi Day at the beach is the appeal of the Oamaru Harbour regatta and birdman competition to be held this year on February 6.

Work unlikely to cause disruption

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Minor remedial work is being carried out on two Waitaki District Council buildings, but is not expected to cause major disruption.

Summer school inspiring sustainability

Ben Guild — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Books have been bound, bees kept, tools sharpened, bicycles adjusted and seaweed eaten at the Transition Oamaru and Waitaki District Sustainable Skills Summer School which started on January 14.

Herbert Forest reunion to mark end of an era

David Bruce — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

The good old days of working at Herbert Forest when it was managed by the New Zealand Forest Service will be recalled at a reunion there next month.

Dundass, Mee families gather en masse

Lynda Van Kempen — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Hundreds of people will converge on Central Otago this weekend as descendants of two well-known families, both early settlers in the district, hold reunions.

Ultimate satisfaction using traditional methods

Lucy Ibbotson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

Central Otago heritage stonemason Keith Hinds says the role he plays in preserving the past brings him the ultimate job satisfaction.

Hotel ruins stabilisation completed

Lucy Ibbotson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +1300

After a period of trial and error, stabilisation and repair of the Lindis Hotel has been completed, with the historic ruins now preserved well into the future, the Department of Conservation (Doc) says.

Glider wreckage to be removed after fatal crash

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:02:05 +1300

The wreckage of a glider that crashed on Wednesday, killing a Canterbury farmer, is to be removed from the crash site today.

Milburn incident only pepper spray use

Helena de Reus — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:39:00 +1300

A national trial testing the use of pepper spray in prisons has ended, with the spray used once last year, at the Otago Corrections Facility at Milburn to subdue an out-of-control prisoner.

South rattled by overnight quakes

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:37:50 +1300

Three large earthquakes struck off the southern coast of the South Island overnight.

Friend saw fatal glider crash

David Bruce — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:30:00 +1300

A Hororata farmer and keen recreational gliding pilot has been named as the man killed when his glider crashed near Omarama on Wednesday.

Little changed over the years at Bull Creek

Helena de Reus — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

"Bull Creek - it's one of the best kept secrets," says camper Ian Mckay. Well, the secret is out now.

Historic drawings of school discovered

Ben Guild — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

The original architectural drawings for buildings at Waitaki Boys' High School (WBHS) in Oamaru have been found in a stack of papers meant for the rubbish heap.

Costs mounted up for all the parties

Lynda Van Kempen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:28:00 +1300

All parties involved in the battle over Project Hayes agree on one thing - it has been an expensive exercise.